Remanded man flees country

A Uruguayan national who admitted indecently assaulting a
Queenstown woman in December has fled the country while on
bail awaiting sentencing.

Martin Avenatti-Cuna (27), who had been living at Lake Hayes
Estate, was last month convicted of the December 16 incident
and remanded on bail until yesterday, when he was to appear
in the Queenstown District Court for sentencing.

However, duty solicitor Mike Newell said he understood
Avenatti-Cuna had ''left the country''.

''I have had no contact since just after the last appearance.

''[His wife and child] reside here, but they were overseas at
the time [of the offending].

''His wife was away, he was drinking and got amorous [with
the victim] ... as a consequence of the alcohol and his wife
and child [being] away.''

Prosecuting Sergeant Rob Mills told Judge Kevin Phillips
Avenatti-Cuna had left New Zealand on January 21, bound for
Santiago.

Judge Phillips issued a warrant for Avenatti-Cuna's arrest
and granted an application from Mr Newell to be withdrawn
from representing the defendant.